The dangers of computer viruses and protective solutions

Imagine waking up one morning and putting on your personal computer, only to discover that all your important data, files and records that you have amassed for a very long have
suddenly been wiped off without any trace. Or, you are a cashier at a bank, and every time you record a transaction, somebody somewhere receives copies of confidential customers account info, passwords and pins unknowingly from your computer system to theirs. The reason for this is not far fetched, a virus has simply taken over your computer system. This might seem like a story but, it is very possible and occurs occasionally.
A virus is a man made computer program that is unconsciously downloaded through various means into your computer system, ranging from, downloading files over the internet carelessly, opening of email attachment files without first scanning with an anti virus, or lack of firewall and proper security programs on your computer system. All these can lead to; unexpected crashes and hanging of your system, slowness of your system or even transferring your data to another over the internet.
Viruses first came into the limelight in the 1960’s with the first virus called ‘brain’. Gradually they have evolved into a more complex situation than we really think. In 1993, a virus named ‘Satan’s bug’ with grave implications was unleashed in the U.S., causing the FBI to appear on the scene. it’s inventor suprisingly, was a kid.
Viruses actually work by attaching themselves to files and programs on your computer waiting for you to execute them. Immediately you do so, it gains control over other files, infecting them and spreading in the process. A large number of viruses are executable meaning, each time you run an infected file, the virus starts it’s work of infection. Others are bootable, beginning infection immediately your computer system boots.
Viruses are actually created by hackers- computer experts with the sole aim of obtained unauthorized access into your computer system to steal computer files or wreck havoc on your system. Immediately the virus has entered and gained control over your system, it informs the hacker and begins to send your confidential information to him as often as Iit was programmed to. All this would only be possible off course with an internet access.
The signs of an infected system are not difficult to identify. They include, the CD ROM mysteriously opening and closing on it’s own, The system becoming increasingly slow and unresponsive, duplicate files found in places were they were not created and files missing from where they were kept.
The good news is that infected systems can be cured from the infections, .all you need to do are;
Remain clam and confirm that the problem is really a viruses.
Install a current and anti virus program into your computer. Then Run the program to detect and remove the virus.
If your anti virus program identifies a file as a virus and cannot repair it, delete it immediately.
To prevent and reduce the possibility of your computer system from becoming infected again, ensure that you;
download an anti virus program into your system and you regularly up date it.
Be careful about files you download over the internet, making sure that you scan them before running. Also, ensure that your computer’s firewall is constantly on.
do not open email attachments without scanning for viruses.
scan any removable media like a floppy and flash drive for viruses before using.
The devastating consequences of computer viruses can not be overemphasized. Companies, banks and even individuals have lost a lot of money, time and information to this menace simply because they didn’t take little but valuable steps in providing adequate security for their systems. The plain truth is that viruses would never be eliminated because hackers are constantly seeking new ways to create new viruses. But it is also possible to prevent them from gaining control over your system by following these simple protective steps, the hard way is always an easy one to learn from.

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